Latest on Pierre-Luc Dubois Injury Update

Bailey Johnson reported that Dubois stayed out for extra work, skating on his own after the Caps' morning skate in Chicago. It's not a full return, but it's a real sign his rehab is moving forward.

Dubois has been out since Halloween night after surgery to repair abdominal and adductor muscle injuries, with Washington originally calling it a three-to-four month recovery. Coach Spencer Carbery has also cautioned that Dubois is not expected back before the Olympic break.

That little solo skate hits differently for fans, because you can feel how badly this roster misses his middle-lane stability. When Dubois is right, Washington exits cleaner, gets back above pucks sooner, and spends less time defending tired shifts.

The frustrating part is the timing, because Dubois only appeared in six games this season and didn't record a point before the surgery. Last season was the reminder of his ceiling, with 66 points, including 20 goals and 46 assists, while handling tough matchups.

He's 27 now, still in his prime years, and the résumé is what it is: third overall pick in 2016 by the Columbus Blue Jackets, 604 NHL games, and 408 career points. Washington didn't bring him in to be a passenger, they brought him in to tilt the ice.

What matters next is the order of operations, more solo skating, then controlled non-contact work, then finally blending back into drills where stops, starts, and battles test that core and groin area. Until he's taking bumps and winning puck races in traffic, the Caps will keep the language careful.

For now, the only honest takeaway is progress, and that's enough on a long road trip grind. The next milestone is simple: see Dubois take a regular practice rep with teammates after the Olympic break, then start circling a return game.

Also read on Washington Hockey Insider :
Capitals lineup changes as they face the Blackhawks tonight